Mum wins her battle against suncream ban

A MUM has won her fight to ensure her children are protected from the effects of the sun while at school.

A MUM has won her fight to ensure her children are protected from the effects of the sun while at school.

Claire Quince has been told daughters Bronte, seven, and five-year-old Erin will be allowed to take suncream to Ysgol Bro Sannan.

The Welsh-medium primary school in Aberbargoed has said the pair will be allowed to use the protective cream in school but only for the next 12 months.

The move comes after Mrs Quince obtained a medical certificate saying her two fair-skinned daughters, who have dermatological conditions, need suncream.

The Echo revealed last week how the school had banned pupils from using suncream on its premises.

Mrs Quince, 39, said: “I’ve now got the satisfaction knowing that my daughters will be completely safe at school.”

The local education authority – Caerphilly council – has not issued schools with guidance about the use of suncream, allowing schools to set their own policy.

But the council advises parents to put suncream on their children before they start school and provide hats on sunny days.

A Caerphilly council spokesman said: “In cases where there is a specific medical requirement for a child to have frequent application of suncream then we will obviously seek the advice of a doctor and ensure these needs are met.

“In this particular case the school in question has provided shaded areas in the school yard, purchased sun-care hats for all pupils and advised parents to apply a high-factor suncream before children attend school.”

WalesOnline is part of Media Wales, publisher of the Western Mail, South Wales Echo, Wales on Sunday and the seven Celtic weekly titles, offering you unique access to our audience across Wales online and in print.